The Book of Jubilees, or the Little Genesis

Translated From the Editor's Ethiopic Text and Edited, With Introduction, Notes and Indices

by Robert Henry Charles

Review

﻿The Book of Jubilees is a retelling of many biblical events and an important resource for those seeking more detail on biblical history and events. It was found in Ethiopia and is regarded by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as canon. The original author’s identity is shrouded in mystery, previously believed to be a Pharisee and almost certainly a Jewish person from the biblical era, we will likely never truly know. What is certain is that R. H. Charles' translation and accompanying notes are instructive, clear and assist the modern reader in making sense of this piece of theological and literary treasure.

Charles sheds light on the unique position of the Book of Jubilees as the first substantive response to the Book of Genesis as well as religious beliefs of some of the Jewish population in the pre-Christian era. We are able to see both the familiar elements of the bible and the legal traditions and forms of observance of Judaism in forms that are never seen elsewhere or necessarily within the remainder of Christian and modern Jewish practice and theory.

By comparison to this book, one would be easily forgiven for thinking of the Gospels in the New Testament as practically contemporary and the degree of change experience by the world can only be appreciated by engaging with works such as this and immersing oneself in the fascinating, rich context of the Abrahamic faiths.

Seize the chance and sit at the feet of ancient theological scholars and absorb their perspective on the nature of our world and its origins.